Understanding the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan
The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, set to commence on January 1, 2025, introduces a significant shift in how Medicare beneficiaries manage their out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses. This voluntary program allows individuals to spread their medication costs evenly throughout the year, rather than facing substantial upfront payments at the pharmacy. By integrating with existing Medicare drug […]
Social Security Repeals Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset
The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law on January 5, 2025, repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), two provisions that had previously reduced Social Security benefits for certain public sector employees. This legislative change is expected to positively impact approximately 3.2 million individuals, including teachers, firefighters, police officers, […]
Understanding the Differences Between Medigap and Medicare Advantage
Understanding the Differences Between Medigap and Medicare Advantage When it comes to Medicare coverage, many beneficiaries find that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover all their healthcare expenses. To bridge this gap, two primary options exist: Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) and Medicare Advantage (Part C). While both serve to help with […]
How does Telemedicine work with Medicare?
Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has revolutionized the way patients access medical care. Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans have embraced telemedicine, making it easier for beneficiaries to consult with healthcare providers without the need for in-person visits. Here’s a closer look at how telemedicine works within these two types […]
Understanding Medicare IRMAA Charges and How to File an Appeal
As the new year begins, individuals enrolled in Medicare almost always see a change in their Medicare monthly premiums. Not only does Medicare often update the premium for Medicare Part B, but individuals might also find themselves subject to a Medicare IRMAA charge. Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) charges apply to Medicare beneficiaries whose […]
What to do during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) occurs annually from October 15 to December 7. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can review and make changes to their Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription Drug (Part D) plans. However, there is also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) that runs from January 1 to March […]
Understanding Medicare Part B Giveback Offers
If you have been watching television at all over the past few years, you would have had a hard time not seeing an advertisement featuring a paid over-the-hill celebrity pitching Medicare plans with a plethora of additional benefits. These commercials typically do not promote any one particular insurance company or plan, but rather are extoling […]
Preparing for the 2025 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period: Understanding the Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on Medicare Part D
As the 2025 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) approaches, it’s more important than ever for beneficiaries to be well-prepared for the upcoming changes. This period, which begins October 15 and ends December 7, allows Medicare recipients to review, compare, and make changes to their Medicare coverage for the upcoming year. In 2025, the significance of […]
Importance of Reviewing Your Annual Notice of Change Letters
Title: The Importance of Annual Notice of Change Letters The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter is an important document sent to Medicare beneficiaries every year. Typically distributed by late September, the ANOC letter provides information about the changes to a beneficiary’s current Medicare plan for the upcoming year. One of the primary reasons the […]
Inflation Reduction Act Impact on Medicare Part D for 2025
The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in 2022, has brought significant changes to various sectors of the American economy, including healthcare. One of the most impactful changes is the introduction of caps on out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D beneficiaries and the smoothing of these costs over the year. These measures aim to alleviate […]
